In the next lesson, you will hear Major 6ths played descending (downward) and attempt to play them on your instrument.
Large descending intervals can be challenging to recognize by ear.
One trick is to think in terms of inversions.
For example, the inversion of a Major 6th is a Minor 3rd.
When you hear a descending Major 6th, try to imagine you are actually hearing an ascending Minor 3rd, only an octave lower.
When you hear this:
| Major 6th – Down |
|
Imagine this:
| Minor 3rd – Up |
In other words, starting on A and going down a Major 6th or up a Minor 3rd both take you to C.
Therefore these two intervals have similar emotional qualities.
Please press the Exercise button below.